Meghan Markle and Prince Harry bid farewell to the 2023 Invictus Games with beaming smiles as Rita Ora’s captivating performance marked the grand finale on Saturday, September 16, at the Markus Spiele Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Despite the evening’s musical brilliance, reports surfaced of discontent from both Rita Ora and Sam Ryder towards the royal couple’s handling of the event.
A tabloid published only one photo featuring Meghan, Harry, Rita Ora, and Sam Ryder, while the absence of any social media posts from the performers with the royal duo raised eyebrows.
Rita Ora’s initial Instagram story related to the Invictus Games made no reference to Harry and Meghan, hinting at underlying tensions.
Her forced cheerfulness in the official Getty Picture alongside them did not go unnoticed.
Insiders revealed that Rita Ora and Sam Ryder shared a warm rapport with the show’s host, Hadnet Tesfaye, who has been a prominent TV and radio presenter for nearly two decades, hailing from Eritrea and raised in Germany.
However, it seems the Sussexes did not extend the same courtesy to Hadnet, leaving a sour impression akin to how Rita Ora and Sam Ryder perceived the situation.
Following the event’s conclusion, Hadnet Tesfaye notably omitted any mention of Harry and Meghan, opting instead to share a discreet thank-you note alongside a photo of Rita Ora and Sam Ryder on her Instagram story.
Reports also suggest that Hadnet faced mistreatment from the royal couple during the event, further adding to the growing controversy.
During the closing ceremony, Meghan’s push to present the Life Stories segment through extensive PR efforts led to the appointment of Hadnet Tesfaye as the segment’s moderator.
The stage was set for a poignant moment when Hadnet interviewed family members, including Anna Zofia, the daughter of a Ukrainian competitor captured by Russian forces and later released.
As the emotional interview concluded with applause, Harry’s sudden appearance on stage, embracing Anna Zofia, caught Hadnet off guard.
Despite her attempts to introduce him formally, Harry’s impulsive intrusion disrupted the scripted sequence, leaving Hadnet visibly surprised.
The incident highlighted tensions between the Sussexes and Hadnet, with Meghan’s influence on Harry’s actions becoming apparent.
Harry’s aggressive demeanor and Meghan’s evident displeasure at not being the center of attention further fueled backstage discontent.
Meghan’s choice of attire, a striking turquoise dress, aimed to assert her presence but fell short amidst the growing dissatisfaction over their series of fashion missteps and self-centered moments.
With each misstep, Meghan and Harry risk alienating more individuals, as murmurs of discontent reverberate behind the scenes.
The fallout from the controversial closing ceremony suggests a rift that may have lasting repercussions on their public image and relationships within the entertainment industry.
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